False Disciples Of Christ Series

John 18:1-18:2

Disciples Of Christ

The other eleven disciples were used of God in amazing ways. Their lives prove that ordinary people can be used of the Lord in extraordinary ways. The life of Judas serves as a warning about the dangers of wasted opportunities, hardness of heart, wicked lusts, and spiritual carelessness. Judas played his part so well that no one but Jesus Himself knew that Judas was a fraud. Judas didn’t stand out. He was a false follower and no one ever noticed!

I would like to take some time and explore Judas’ biography and consider the thought “False Disciples Of Christ” ...Let's begin with:

I. The Comprehension Of A False Disciple

A. They Know The People - Matthew 10:2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James … Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

Judas was numbered with the other disciples. He had traveled with them… talked with them … lived with them! People recognized him as one of Christ’s followers.

Today there are men and women who:

o Are members of churches

o Have made professions of faith

o Have been baptized

o Teach classes

o Serve on committees

o Stand in pulpits

o Have multi-million dollar ministries

There are many who walk and SERVE alongside true disciples, They are numbered with the followers of Christ but they do not truly know Him!

B. They Know The Places - John 18:1 ¶When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. 2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.

When it came time to betray Christ, Judas knew exactly where to find Him! Judas had been with Jesus and the others in this place several times before. He knew where to go!

This is very similar to many people today, they know the routine… When the time comes, they go where they are “supposed” to go! There are people who attend every time the doors are open but are as lost as Judas was! I am sure in the time that Judas spent with Jesus, He had a firm grasp on the “routine” Friend, you can know all of the rituals, routines and religious lingo and still die lost in your sins!

How sad to think that you know exactly where to find Jesus, but you refuse to TRULY SURRENDER YOUR HEART AND LIFE TO HIM!

C. They Know The Plan - Mark 3:14 And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,

Judas was “ordained” by Jesus. This word has the idea of training. Jesus took the twelve and made them ready for the mission He was about to send them to accomplish. Judas witnessed the character and compassion of Christ. He heard Jesus’ words and saw His works. Judas hardened his heart against every attempt of the Lord to reach him. Imagine the miracles that Judas witnessed, consider the sermons that he heard from Jesus, think of all of those intimate conversations that Christ had with His disciples....Judas knew the plan of salvation, Judas was present with the Messiah for over 3 years!!!

You may be here and you know the plan.

oYou were raised in church

oYou attended Sunday School

oYou have heard thousands of sermons

oYou have prayed many prayers

oYou know the plan of salvation

oYou have studied your bible for years

None of these things matter if you have never surrendered to Christ! This is not about knowledge it is about a relationship!

II. The Capability Of A False Disciple - John 13:21 When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. 22 Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake. 23 Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. 25 He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it? 26 Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.

Jesus proclaims that one of his disciples… His closest followers would betray Him. All of the disciples began to look and consider who he was referring to. Peter even prompted John to ask Jesus who He was referring to. They did not say “I bet it is that hypocrite Judas”